[dailyplantfacts]

Monarda didyma is in the mint family Lamiaceae. Commonly known as scarlet beebalm or bergamot, it is native to eastern North America from Georgia to Maine. Scarlet beebalm is a perennial herb found growing in habitats with moist soils such as by rivers and streams. In the wild, the flowers can range from deep red to pink, and attract birds to aid in pollination. Scarlet beebalm is also popularly cultivated outside of its native range for use in perennial gardens. Aside from its horticultural uses, this plant also contains antiseptic compounds that prevent bacterial infections. This species has been used widely in traditional medicine especially by Native American tribes, and is used to treat open wounds on the body and in the mouth.